The UFC bantamweight title is the ultimate destination for Urijah Faber.

"The California Kid" has been shredding the competition in the bantamweight division as of late as he's rolled out one impressive showing after another against some of the toughest challenges in the 135-pound fold. The former WEC featherweight champion has racked up three consecutive victories in 2013 as he's built steady momentum toward earning another title opportunity.

That said, the championship picture in the bantamweight division has been locked in a state of disarray for the past two years.

Belt holder Dominick Cruz has been sidelined with injury, and interim champion RenanBarao has defended his belt on two occasions as he's worked toward a unification bout. This situation created a scenario where the upper tier of the division could have gone stagnant—and that very well could have happened—had Faber not rolled out his impressive streak.

But while he's looking for another shot at championship gold, there is one stern challenge obstructing that path in the form of Michael McDonald.

"Mayday" bounced back from his loss to Barao at UFC on Fuel TV 7 back in February with a submission victory over Brad Pickett at Fight Night 26 in August. The former title challenger's victory over the scrappy Brit put him on a collision course with the perennial contender, and they are set to square off at UFC on Fox 9 on Dec. 14 in Sacramento, Calif.

Where Faber is 12 years and 17 fights the Modesto native's senior, he's expecting an all-out war when the two fighters step into the cage. The Team Alpha Male leader is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the bantamweight division, and he believes he'll have all the tools necessary to get his hand raised at fight's end.